I realize that most
students today are kept more than busy just doing their
schoolwork. When I ask them what about what they do in their
free time, they answer, “What free time?”
“All work and
no play makes Jack a dull boy.” How true. Growing up means
finding out who you are, what makes you happy, and what you see
yourself to be in the future. Can schooling alone answers all
your questions?
I believe a
person learns more when he can interact with others, and not
just in academic situations. To learn what makes you happy you
have to “taste” a bit of everything. What I’m saying is, make
sure there is time to dedicate in discovering things.
What are the
alternatives. Sport, art, music, theatre. These seem to be the
most common areas, although there are really so many others.
I wish that
more schools would make some initiatives in guiding the students
to activities that can open their minds. Forming clubs
can be a great way to introduce the students to new interests. A
Photography club, a Writer’s club, a Science club, as well as a
Debate team, a School Newspaper, a School Chorus, are just some
of the activities that can be very helpful in stimulating new
ideas and they may even lead to career goals.
Let’s say your
students have found their ideal free time activity.
They can refer
to themselves in this way:
I’m a computer bug.
I’m a sports fan.
I’m a jazz fanatic!
I’m into painting.
I’m into photography.
I’m into writing.
Here’s
something useful for the class to do.
Have the
students research new free time activities, or hobbies.
They may come up with some new ideas. Let them choose an
activity that seems best suited to them.
They can write
up what this activity entails, for example materials needed,
explain if it’s a seasonal activity, how many people can
participate, etc. They may also find the name of a famous
person or else a group of people who are active in this field.
There can be
no limits to learning something new, even out of the classroom!
A Nice
Thought
“In our leisure, we reveal what kind of people we are.”
Ovid